Arts & Entertainment: I love going to Alive at Five... the Albany Jazz Fest… The Opalka Gallery… State Museum... The Institute… and Concerts at St. Rose and unfortunately I don’t go often enough to shows at The Egg, which is a wonderful small venue. — Fred, from TimesUnion.com(Cindy Schultz / Times Union) less

Arts & Entertainment: I love going to Alive at Five... the Albany Jazz Fest… The Opalka Gallery… State Museum... The Institute… and Concerts at St. Rose and unfortunately I don’t go often enough to ... more

Food: Saratoga National Prime you have to try, Longfellows (shown above) for the great rustic atmosphere and incredible New England Clam Chowder and for Italian, D’Raymonds “off” Shaker Road is a must!— ds, from On the Edge(Luanne M. Ferris/Times Union)

Food: Saratoga National Prime you have to try, Longfellows (shown above) for the great rustic atmosphere and incredible New England Clam Chowder and for Italian, D’Raymonds “off” Shaker Road is a ... more

Photo: Luanne M. Ferris/Times Union

Image 22 of 59

Food: The Italian in Schenectady is pretty amazing. My favorite is Ferrari’s. We also love Curry House in Albany. — Maggie, from On the Edge

Food: The Italian in Schenectady is pretty amazing. My favorite is Ferrari’s. We also love Curry House in Albany. — Maggie, from On the Edge

Food: Brunch at The City Beer Hall (shown above). Pulled pork night at The Gastropub. Any cocktail from the Speakeasy. A bowl of noodles and broth at Taiwan Noodle. Wings at The Ruck. Pizza served in the dining room at Marino’s in Schenectady. A sub from one of our many fabulous Italian markets. Any of the rice noodle rolls at Hong Kong bakery. Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches from The Cheese Traveler. Seriously, I could go on and on. — Daniel B., from On the Edge(Lori Van Buren / Times Union) less

Food: Brunch at The City Beer Hall (shown above). Pulled pork night at The Gastropub. Any cocktail from the Speakeasy. A bowl of noodles and broth at Taiwan Noodle. Wings at The Ruck. Pizza served in the dining ... more

Sports: Lacrosse Legends...Like the trio of Native American players, Miles, younger brother Lyle, and cousin Ty, who have transformed Albany into an offensive juggernaut in Division I men's lacrosse. ualbanysports.com(AP Photo/Mike Groll) less

Sports: Lacrosse Legends...Like the trio of Native American players, Miles, younger brother Lyle, and cousin Ty, who have transformed Albany into an offensive juggernaut in Division I men's lacrosse. ... more

Photo: Mike Groll

Image 47 of 59

Sports: There’s an active adult soccer league, at all skill levels. Afrim’s also has a women’s league. My other suggestion is crew. There’s the Albany crew club on the Hudson; however, several other female friends row in Saratoga with the “Babes.” These friends had never rowed until well into their 30s with the ‘Babes’, and are totally hooked. Boats can be rented for a ridiculously cheap cost. My friends do not own boats and rent each time out. They say Coach “Bean” is the best! — ssr, from On the Edge(Michael P. Farrell/Times Union) less

Sports: There’s an active adult soccer league, at all skill levels. Afrim’s also has a women’s league. My other suggestion is crew. There’s the Albany crew club on the Hudson; however, several other ... more

Shopping: Uncommon Grounds for bagels and coffee on the weekends, even though the wait. The Point for dinner and drinks, Iron Gate Cafe (pictured above) for lunch and definitely the Fort Orange General Store for shopping. — Kate M., from Facebook(Luanne M. Ferris/Times Union) less

Shopping: Uncommon Grounds for bagels and coffee on the weekends, even though the wait. The Point for dinner and drinks, Iron Gate Cafe (pictured above) for lunch and definitely the Fort Orange General Store ... more

Shopping: Pearl Grant Richmans has the perfect gift for any of the ladies, women, girlfriends, daughters, nieces, aunties, besties in my life! And for me too! — Julie B.K., from Facebook(Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Shopping: Pearl Grant Richmans has the perfect gift for any of the ladies, women, girlfriends, daughters, nieces, aunties, besties in my life! And for me too! — Julie B.K., from Facebook
(Paul Buckowski / ... more

In a state where New York City denizens picture Hudson and Poughkeepsie when they say the word "upstate," it's easy for the Capital Region to get a complex. Yes, the capital is here but, really, what else is there, naysayers imply.

The short answer is plenty. But don't take our word for it. We asked the Times Union's writers and our readers to weigh in with the multitude of ways in which the Capital Region is awesome. Here's what they had to say.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT By Amy Biancolli

When it comes to arts and culture in the Capital Region, there is much to love. So much that plucking a mere 10 highlights from the teeming bounty around here is all but impossible. What to leave out? There are too many arts groups and attractions, too many venues and stages and clubs, too many ensembles in every possible genre — from crushing hardcore to choruses. The music scene alone merits a dissertation.

But the list had to be winnowed somehow. With that in mind, everything below is as good or better than anything you'd find anywhere else in the country. And everything somehow reflects the character of the region — its history or its geography, its politics or quirk, its lack of pretension, ease of access or creative spark.

1. Little orchestra, big deal

You've probably heard that an Albany Symphony Orchestra recording won a Grammy. Indeed it did. Maybe you've also heard that it makes a point of performing new and overlooked contemporary American works. Indeed it does. It accomplishes these and other daring feats (including annual ASCAP awards for adventurous programming) with skilled, sharp, part-time musicians displaying musical chops to rival orchestras with full-time members and much bigger budgets.

Opera isn't all black ties and stuffy people. Nope. Not around here. In the warm months, it's picnics in shorts on the lawn, followed by world-class opera in an agrarian-inspired modern theater nestled in the low, lazy hills of Otsego County.

The artworks above and below ground at the Plaza comprise what is, arguably, the most significant public collection of modern art (specifically, Abstract Expressionist) ever assembled. An Alexander Calder mobile in the Corning Tower lobby. A Robert Motherwell tapestry in the North Concourse. The needles of a George S. Rickey sculpture twirling near the skating rink. There are 92 pieces in all —a motherlode of 20th-century art, hiding in plain site as workers bustle past.

Speaking of which: This recently opened arts incubator, located in a revamped Catholic school in Arbor Hill, offers affordable live-and-work spaces for a diverse soup of artists plying their trade. It also hosts classes, exhibits and events, including theatrical productions to supplement the region's many stages (from Capital Rep to scads of civic theaters). The Barn mixes an inspired creative venture with community-building in a historic, struggling neighborhood.

Yep, the highways that blitz through the region make us the crossroads of the Northeast — a natural midway point between New York City and Montreal, Buffalo and Boston. So any act that just happens to be rolling around out there (Springsteen, McCartney, Kanye, Broadway touring productions) may as well stop in Albany or thereabouts for a cup of coffee and a whizz, right? And while they're at it, put on a show somewhere — at Proctors, the Palace, the Times Union Center, some other cozy spot? May as well. Thank you, map.

6. Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

Aside from its counter-intuitive host structure (a bank? seriously?), the venerable venue boasts some of the richest and warmest acoustics anywhere in the world — ranking right up there with Carnegie Hall — making it a great place to hear unamplified music of any type. No wonder the greats have played there: Fritz Kreisler, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Elvis Costello.

Here's something to love: the mad overflow of no-cost and low-cost attractions and events throughout the Capital Region, from music-packed summer festivals in tulip-happy city parks (and riverfronts, and tugboat docks, and one giant marble Plaza) to chillier events full of holiday revelry and Victorian strolling.

9. Many mondo museums

The Albany Institute of History & Art is older than the Louvre (betcha didn't know that) and features Egyptian mummies plus paintings from the Hudson River School. The Clark, out in Williamstown, Mass., just reopened with a gorgeous new Tadao Ando-designed addition. Mass MoCA in North Adams is ramping up to become the largest contemporary art museum in the country. The Hyde in Glens Falls has Rubens, Rembrandt, Picasso. And the list goes on.

11. I love going to Alive at Five.. the Albany Jazz Fest... The Opalka Gallery... State Museum.. The Institute... and Concerts at St. Rose and unfortunately I don't go often enough to shows at The Egg, which is a wonderful small venue. — Fred, from TimesUnion.com

FOOD By Steve Barnes

The best news about the Capital Region food and restaurant scene of the past year was its increasing diversity, followed closely by an embrace of the national trend toward the casualization of fine dining.

We're still as overblessed with Italian — or, rather, American-Italian — fare as just about anywhere in the Northeast, with the four core Capital Region counties supporting about 100 Italian restaurants, not counting pizzerias. But the scale is balancing out, however slowly: Of the approximately 80 new, non-chain restaurants that opened locally in 2014, only three are dedicated Italian eateries. Last year, the area became home to a Persian restaurant, our first true Korean barbecue, an admittedly short-lived Burmese eatery, several Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants, a couple of smokehouses for barbecue, several gastropubs, two places for gourmet doughnuts and even a spot that specializes in German fare cooked in a wood-fired oven.

In an indication of changing times, tastes and economic considerations, only one true high-end restaurant debuted last year, and it's an unqualified winner: 15 Church in Saratoga Springs, opened by veteran front-of-house pro Paul McCullough (ex-McGuire's and Creo) and his wife, Susan Diep, who have decades in the business. At the other end of the experience scale, Vic Christopher and his wife, Heather LaVine, whose first venture, the Lucas Confectionery wine bar in Troy, debuted only two years ago, began 2015 by launching an ambitious but casual fine-dining experiment around the corner from their wine bar: Peck's Arcade, named after the department store that occupied the Broadway site in the 1880s. Focused on ingredient-driven small plates in an atmosphere of exposed brick and reclaimed wood and metal, Peck's seems sure to be one of the year's biggest success stories.

The newcomers join a proud roster of restaurants and food producers that have fed Capital Region residents for generations. Herewith, an idiosyncratic celebration of local eats:

12. St. Stephen Triple-Cream Cheese

Introduced in June 2014 by the new-last-year St. Stephen Creamery in rural Rensselaer County, this rich, luscious cheese is a worthy substitute for venerable European cheeses in the same style such as Brillat-Savarin, Saint-Angel, Saint-André and Delice de Bourgogne.Find it at shops including The Cheese Traveler and Honest Weight Food Co-Op, both in Albany. $12 for an 8-ounce wheel.

Since Hattie's was founded, in 1938, it has had just three owners — and one recipe for fried chicken. The current chef-owner, Jasper Alexander, who runs the restaurant with his wife, Beth, has steadfastly maintained the recipe created by the restaurant's eponymous founder while diversifying the Hattie's Louisiana fare. In 2010 the couple revived the eatery's original name, Hattie's Chicken Shack, for their quick-serve location in Wilton, which also offers a gluten-free version of the classic dish.

In 2014, two new bars — one a music dive in Albany, one a beer-and-cocktail haven in Troy — launched gourmet brunches that proved watering holes can do upscale eggs supremely well in a casual setting. The Low Beat, on Central Avenue in Albany, offers its "rock-n-roll brunch" just once a month, but the food, which changes monthly, is pristinely well prepared and often features local ingredients, sometimes foraged by the chef. The Shop, in part of the former Trojan Hardware store in downtown Troy, has brunch every Saturday and Sunday, drawing globally for dishes showing influences of New England, Morocco and Spain.

Schenectady and its Rotterdam and Scotia suburbs are home to 10 Italian restaurants and bakeries so venerable that, combined, they have been in business for nearly 600 years. The youngest of these old-timers, Ferrari's Ristorante, has been open for 40 years; the most senior, Perecca's Bakery, is approaching 102. All are within three miles of downtown Schenectady, and each offers variations on many Italian-American classics with names such as Parmigiana, Sorrentino, Marsala, oreganata and cacciatore. They serve old-fashioned, Sunday-at-grandma's food characterized by lovingly long-simmered red sauce and huge portions. Never trendy, they tend to evolve glacially rather than change. In many cases they're run by generations of families who cook for and serve generations of families.

This Saratoga Springs restaurant was more than a year in the making, and it lost its founding chef, who'd been aboard almost since 15 Church was first announced, within months of debuting. But the husband-and-wife team of Paul McCullough and Susan Diep, who are restaurant veterans making their first venture as owners, with real-estate developer Tom Burke as backer, have created a jewel of a restaurant that is expensive yet worth every penny.

This isn't unique to the Capital Region restaurant industry, but it's worth celebrating. Over three months last fall, more than 50 charity fundraisers involving food and drink were held, benefiting causes from disease research to homelessness, pet rescue to the arts. For all of them, local restaurants, brewers, distillers, vintners and liquor distributors provided products at steep discounts or donated in full. Though the benefit/gala/fundraising scene takes its grandest, most visible form during the Saratoga racing season, it runs all year, and the scope of giving by the Capital Region's hospitality industry runs into millions of dollars for hundreds of events. Even a small, family-owned restaurant like Café Capriccio in Albany gives away the equivalent of $20,000 worth food, gift cards and dinners annually, while Mazzone Hospitality, the region's largest restaurant company, donates seven or eight times that amount. The dean is LeGrande Serras, who last year turned over his Reel Seafood Co. in Colonie to his daughter, Aliki. Over decades of auctioneering at charity events, Serras has helped raise about $14 million.

18. Ala Shanghai

The Capital Region is awash in Asian restaurants, especially of the pan-Asian sort that offer teppanyaki tables as well as sushi and, most likely, a few Thai, Vietnamese and Korean dishes as well. And storefront Chinese takeout spots seems even more ubiquitous than Dunkin' Donuts locations. But authentic Chinese fare in a quality restaurant with table service is rare, which is why Ala Shanghai in Latham is so deservedly celebrated. Whether you pop in for a bargain lunch or gather a large group for a Chinese New Year's dinner, supreme satisfaction is guaranteed. Be sure to have the soup dumplings.

During the summer harvest season, an estimated 15,000 people weekly throng the biggest area farmers markets, in Troy, Saratoga Springs and Schenectady. Dozens more markets are available to residents of the 11-county greater Capital Region, offering local meat, produce, cheese and more, as well as a variety of prepared items and crafts. (Most markets set a minimum of 60 percent of their booths aside for agricultural products.) When you're hunting for an unusual mushroom or gloves from the hide of the elk that provided the chops for dinner, our markets are likely to have it.

20. Saratoga National Prime you have to try, Longfellows for the great rustic atmosphere and incredible New England Clam Chowder and for Italian, D'Raymonds "off" Shaker Road is a must! — ds, from On the Edge

21. The Italian in Schenectady is pretty amazing. My favorite is Ferrari's. We also love Curry House in Albany. — Maggie, from On the Edge

22. Brunch at The City Beer Hall. Pulled pork night at The Gastropub. Any cocktail from the Speakeasy. A bowl of noodles and broth at Taiwan Noodle. Wings at The Ruck. Pizza served in the dining room at Marino's in Schenectady. A sub from one of our many fabulous Italian markets. Any of the rice noodle rolls at Hong Kong bakery. Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches from The Cheese Traveler. Seriously, I could go on and on. — Daniel B., from On the Edge

ARCHITECTURE & SPECIAL PLACES By Chris Churchill

The Capital Region isn't some tangled sprawl in the desert constructed with the invention of air condition. It's a region with history — and the buildings and public spaces to prove it. Here are a few of our local gems.

23. The Rice Building

New York City has its Flatiron Building, and the Capital Region has the Rice Building — the irregularly shaped, red brick icon in Troy. Built in 1871, the office building is beautiful, yes, but it's also a symbol of the city's renaissance and commitment to historic preservation. The Rice was vacant and deteriorated in the 1980s and 1990s, before a coalition led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute restored its glory. Downtown Troy wouldn't be the same without it.

216 River St., Troy

24. Washington Park, Albany

The Capital Region has many wonderful public parks, but Washington Park in Albany is the best, in part because it's so heavily used. (No, it wasn't designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, but it looks as though it could have been.) Constructed in the 1870s and used as public space even earlier, Washington Park is where Albany goes to gawk at tulips, listen to music, watch a play under the stars, throw down a towel beneath a summer sun, or watch the ever-fascinating people that comprise the park's daily parade.

Madison Avenue and Willett Street, Albany

25. Washington Park, Troy

The Capital Region's "other Washington Park" isn't as well known or as visible as its counterpart in Albany. That's largely because it's private and gated. You need a key to get in, and it's actually rare to see anyone using Washington Park. (It's been dubbed the "No Fun Park.") But the green space is beautifully framed by the elegant row houses that surround it, making for one of the best urban spaces anywhere.

195 Second St., Troy

26. Nipper

OK, so the big fiberglass dog is really just a piece of advertising kitsch, placed atop a North Albany building in 1958 to promote RCA televisions and appliances. But Nipper is our piece of advertising kitsch — a loyal companion and a beloved icon of the city he so patiently watches.

991 Broadway, Albany

27. The Nott Memorial

The Capital Region is loaded with colleges and universities, of course, but none matches the classic beauty of the Union College campus in Schenectady. The centerpiece of that campus is Nott Memorial, a building with 16 sides. Sixteen! Given its complexity, it shouldn't be surprising that the building took a while to complete, with construction starting in 1858 and ending in 1879.

Union College807 Union St., Schenectady

28. Broadway, Saratoga Springs

In the old days, before the malls and big-boxes, people used to do their shopping in places called "downtowns," walking and breathing fresh air as they darted in and out of stores. That experience is largely lost in the Capital Region, with one notable exception: Broadway in Saratoga Springs, a classic and thriving Main Street in a nation that has largely abandoned them.

29. Empire State Plaza

We can probably agree that razing a residential neighborhood at the heart of Albany for the construction of Empire State Plaza was a mistake. And, yes, the plaza's modern architecture is often criticized as cold, bleak and even totalitarian. But even its critics concede that Empire State Plaza is one of the most unusual public places anywhere, and wouldn't Albany be less interesting if The Egg didn't exist? And there wouldn't be that They Might Be Giants song: "The Egg, when will it hatch? ... The Egg, no corners for you!"

If Empire State Plaza is modernist and cold and the state Capitol is a Gothic/Romanesque labyrinth that could induce claustrophobia, then the State Education Building, with its classic Colonnade and inviting staircase, is more what we traditionally expect from a public building. And boy, is it gorgeous at night.

89 Washington Ave., Albany

31. Kiernan Plaza

Now, this is a train station! It's perfectly located downtown, it's welcoming, it's elegant and ... wait, what's that you say? It's not a train station? The old Union Station was abandoned as a railroad hub in the 1960s and converted into an office building in the 1980s? Oh. That's a shame. Well, it's still a pretty amazing building.

575 Broadway, Albany

32. The Twin Bridges

If you're one of the commuters who gets stuck on Northway rush hour traffic day after day, then maybe the charm of the Twin Bridges — formal name: the Thaddeus Kosciusko Bridge — is lost to you. But imagine it's a warm summer evening in August. There's hardly any traffic, you have the windows down and you're heading south on the Northway. Suddenly, you come across the unmistakable curved arc of the Twin Bridges and gaze down upon the shining blue of the Mohawk River. Is there anything better?

34. Fort Orange in Albany and the State University of Albany Administration Building. — Dennis K., from Facebook

35. Not necessarily my favorite, but no list would be complete without EMPAC. — Tony P., from Facebook

SPORTS By Jennifer Gish

You can grab a train and head a couple hours south to sit in a major league or NFL stadium and take in a game, and then just forego your grocery budget that month to cover the costs. Or, right here in the Capital Region, you can watch — or even play — sports and find a similar rush. Here are my favorites:

36. Running Mecca

It can be 9 degrees outside and the sidewalks can be snow-covered, and you'll still find a half dozen people running in a pack on a Sunday morning. They may seem crazy, unless like me, you're into running, and if that's the case, the Capital Region is the place to live. Road (and some trail) races all the time. Two major running clubs that cost less than a burger and a beer to join — Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club and Albany Running Exchange — and multiple ways to get started in the sport through Couch-to-5K training programs. And we have our share of triathletes, too, if you're into the swimming/biking/running combo.

Few places can claim a NCAA championship team in one of the big four sports. We have Union College, which won the men's hockey national championship last year, right here. Union also provides a fine rivalry game each year in the Mayor's Cup against former national champion Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Throw in our American Hockey League team, the Albany Devils, and the one just up the road in the Adirondack Flames, and you can pull on your hockey sweater and have a great time.

I don't have to tell you how awesome it is to pack a picnic lunch and set up your lawn chair at Saratoga Race Course, betting on the horses between beers and sandwiches. You know that. But I can tell you that if you read a little horse racing history, perhaps like me, you can go to the track in the off-season when it's quiet, stare at the spires and hear the phantom hoofbeats of racing legends while a few tears form in your eyes. Because history is that close.

And speaking of my sappy weeping over sports, within months of living in the Capital Region, I made the drive to Lake Placid to visit the Olympic Center. I sat in the arena where a medal-round men's hockey game between the USA and Russia in the 1980 Winter Olympics took place, and I got chills. The USA's "miracle on ice" was inspirational enough to be turned into a Disney movie, and we're lucky enough to be able to make a day trip of Lake Placid. Or treat ourselves and stay the weekend.

I'm not a water person. But I'd stay out on the Mohawk River on a dragonboat all day, because dragonboats are fun, and the people who paddle them are even more fun (and welcoming to newbies), as I found out last year. Try it this summer

It's not summer if I'm not sitting at The Joe with a soft pretzel, listening to my kids search for SouthPaw, the Tri-City ValleyCats' mascot, while I try to watch the game. If someone wanted to give me a perfect mid-summer day, they'd plunk me in a chair in that ultra-charming, red brick-wrapped stadium, shove a Helmbold's hot dog in my hand (mustard and onions), and leave me be for nine innings.

OK, we don't have the big Division I basketball school with an affable orange for a mascot and a nearly perennial spot in the top 25, but we do have Division I men's and women's basketball teams that have made it into the NCAA Tournament pretty consistently in the last decade. And getting to root for your hometown teams — whether you pull for the UAlbany Great Danes or the Siena Saints — as you watch them on TV in the tournament is pretty fun. Sitting in SEFCU Arena with my son, taking in a UAlbany women's game and explaining the difference between offense and defense is a memory I'll catalogue for a long time.

I'll rail against the hyper-competitiveness of youth sports any day, but I'm lucky enough to live in the city with Albany Youth Soccer and National Little League, where my kids have been participants. National Little League organizers say they like to think of the league as a neighborhood organization that happens to play baseball. I think of the league, and the soccer program, as the way I want my kids to be introduced to sports — with a healthy dose of perspective.

If you like to hike or swim in open water, spend some time enjoying the outdoors at one of our state parks. I love to dig my feet into the "beach" at Grafton Lakes State Park, and the views at John Boyd Thacher State Park are not to be missed.

Ty and Miles Thompson have moved on, but there's one remaining lacrosse player of that much-publicized Native American brother-cousin trio (who were featured on national television last season) on the field at the University at Albany. Be sure to see the creative, fast-paced play of Lyle Thompson, who's in his senior year, before the season ends. He and brother, Miles, who graduated last year, split the honor of the 2014 Tewaaraton Award, given to the game's greatest collegiate player. And they were even nominees for the ESPY Awards, which focus a lot of attention on celebrity athletes.

46. There's an active adult soccer league, at all skill levels. Afrim's also has a women's league. My other suggestion is crew. There's the Albany crew club on the Hudson; however, several other female friends row in Saratoga with the "Babes." These friends had never rowed until well into their 30s with the 'Babes', and are totally hooked. Boats can be rented for a ridiculously cheap cost. My friends do not own boats and rent each time out. They say Coach "Bean" is the best! — ssr, from On the Edge

SHOPPING By Kristi Barlette

Shopping. Some people consider it a necessity, even a tedious task. But, for me, shopping is a hobby. Finding pants long enough for my six-foot frame or a zippy cheese I've yet to experience gives me the same adrenaline rush I get when making a shot for birdie on the golf course or beating my personal best time on my 10-mile inline skate loop.

Yeah, that kind of awesome.

When I go on vacation, I check out the shopping before committing to a city. Around here, my passion for buying is just as strong. Here are some of my favorites:

47. The Cheese Traveler

My husband's motto is cheese is the fat man's candy. If that's the case, I'm morbidly obese (and male). I attend cheese festivals around the state and have a piece (or five) of creamy goodness several times a week. While I love good, old cheddar (aged at least three years, please), I'm all about a twist on the dairy-based treat. I especially love trying cheeses I've never heard of, or ones I can't pronounce.

You'll find lots of those at The Cheese Traveler, along with a staff that knows the proper pronunciation, and the details of the texture and flavor of every cheese in the shop. In addition to hundreds of bricks and wedges, they also sell soups and made-to-order sandwiches. Another plus: Nearly every time I've been in there they have samples.

If you're a cheese-lover, or know someone who is, this place is your little slice of aged heaven.

We have a large selection of (excellent, I'm sure) jewelers around here, but if you're looking for personal service and custom pieces, Jeff Fritze can do it. He designed my engagement and wedding rings, as well as the rings for several friends. I also have earrings and two necklaces from him — a wishbone and one with my daughter's name and birthdate — that regularly elicit compliments.

The shop isn't fancy, and the hours are a bit unpredictable (call first), but Fritze listens to what you want (or checks out photos, if you have them), creates drawings and then designs a piece. He's fast, efficient and meticulous. I've never been much of a jewelry person; then I saw what Fritze can create. Now I wear at least a piece most every day.

While this isn't a brick-and-mortar-type place where you walk in and make a purchase, they're one of my favorite local businesses (to the point I ask for gift cards for each and every holiday). Each Maids location is independently owned and operated and you speak with the local team when you call to make an appointment. I've used them for everything for a full house cleaning (including the basement) before we moved into a home where the previous owner had a pet (I have severe animal allergies) to a more modest "touch up" after a big party.

They have removed hard water stains and grime that all the scrubbing and expensive chemicals and steam cleaners I used failed to omit and vacuumed, dusted and mopped each and every nook and cranny in my home. They use green products, making their cleanings safe for children and pets and anyone else concerned with inhaling strong chemicals. And their four-person team is in and out in less time than in takes you to put up your feet and watch an episode or two of your favorite drama on DVR. Also, they have a 24-hour guarantee. Basically, if you find something that isn't up to your standards within that first day, they'll come back and fix it. They regularly offer $25 coupons for your first cleaning (sign up on their website) and you can have them take care of as few or as many rooms as you like.

If you're looking for a dress for anything, this is the place to go in the region. A friend recently found the perfect little cocktail dress for the Grammys and I regularly recommend readers head over to the boutique for frocks to wear to weddings, galas and other events.

The store has an extensive selection of true designer gowns (and, at times, the prices to match the names) as well as more modestly priced options. Their selection is so vast they appeal to prom-goers as well as mothers-of-the-bride (or groom). The staff is helpful, but not pushy and each dressing room is fancy and fabulous and free of the horrible fluorescent lighting you find at many department stores.

What can make a sweet strawberry even more delicious? Chocolate, of course. I love Anthony's Chocolate Dipped Fruit for everything from party favors (they make the cutest little bride and groom strawberries for weddings) to host and hostess gifts for a little afternoon pick-me-up. The owner is regularly in the shop creating the treats himself and if you like them on Facebook you'll be privy to occasional giveaways and other promotions.

I've never liked shopping for a car. The safety research and test drives and negotiating are about as enjoyable as sitting in Northway traffic during track season. Then I went to Keeler Motorcar and found car shopping ... pleasant. Yes, that's right.

The experience was unlike anything I'd experienced elsewhere.

The sales floor was clean and airy and the salespeople were not pushy (in fact, one even discouraged us from getting one of the extended warranties — you know, the warranties that are usually sold, hard). We were encouraged to ask questions on the test drive, not make small talk, and the sales staff really seemed to make selling us what we wanted — not what they wanted to move off the lot — a priority.

Even maintenance and repairs are not dreadful. The last time I got my oil changed they said it would take "about an hour." My car was back to me in 20 minutes (and they'd even run it through the car wash). I was, dare I say, disappointed. Thanks to free WiFi (and hot chocolate) in the waiting room, I was fine sitting in one of the overstuffed chairs, tackling some work.

Between my husband and I we've now purchased six vehicles from Keeler. When we're in the market for another car or SUV, we'll make every effort to shop at one of their dealers (they specialize in BMWs, Mercedes and Hondas, although they do sell other makes and models as part of their pre-owned collection).

53. Uncommon Grounds for bagels and coffee on the weekends, even though the wait. The Point for dinner and drinks, Iron Gate Cafe or lunch and definitely the Fort Orange General Store for shopping. — Kate M., from Facebook